Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1)
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Release Date: June 5th, 2012
Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.
I’ve tried to start this book at least 5 or 6 times over the past couple of years but, for whatever reason, I could never get past the first chapter. So, I decided to give the audio book a shot and I’m super glad that I did!
The world was unique, magical, and well-crafted. The characters were likable, intriguing, and complex. I definitely enjoyed this one!
Alina was an easy character to connect to. She is strong-willed, resilient, and intelligent. I was rooting for her from the prologue. But, this poor girl. I feel like she’s tossed from one unsavory environment to another. I’m hoping she gets her happy ending!
Then, there’s Mal—I adored this boy. I thought he was charming and sweet and yes Alina needs to be with him. I personally thought he was an incredible friend to her! I’ve read things saying that he only became interested in Alina based off of her power, but I find that hard to believe. They have a super intricate and personal history—I TOTALLY SHIP IT. Their banter was my favorite!
As for the Darkling—I definitely get the appeal. I do. I don’t ship him with Alina but I do appreciate him. Even if he does have a little bit of an Edward Cullen Complex.
I'm glad someone else likes Mal! Well, given that we've both only read this book so far, and I've heard that his character turns a complete 360 in the sequels, which is precisely why I'm not going to read those. 😂 Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed this! Hopefully you'll like the sequels as well!
ReplyDelete- Aimee @ Aimee, Always
LoL! I listened to half of #2 and still loving Mal! Hopefully that keeps up!
DeleteSometimes an audiobook will save a book for me! I feel like listening is a different experience, and maybe our brains need to hear someone else when we're stuck on a physical copy. I've done this a few times... I'll pick up a book, struggle, try the audiobook, and boom. It works!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this yet, but it's a series I really want to get to! I'm happy you were able to enjoy it. :)
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?
Same with The Darkling. I love him as a character but I don’t ship him with Alina. That wouldn’t be healthy at all! I’m always on the fence about Mal, though I do like him enough. I love his friendship with Alina.
ReplyDeleteOmg now you make me wanna start this series even more than I already do!!! (but that's my treat for completing my bookshelf first lol!)
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